july 23-29, 2023
A SYMPOSIUM ON REASON IN CRISIS
Study the Enlightenment: Failed Dream or Unfulfilled Promise?
dareto think with us
“It is so convenient to be immature!” Immanuel Kant wrote.
“If I have a book to have understanding in place of me, a spiritual adviser to have a conscience for me, a doctor to judge my diet for me, and so on, I need not make any efforts at all. I need not think, so long as I can pay; others will soon enough take the tiresome job over for me.”
Kant was not content with such childlike apathy. As one of the Enlightenment's heralds, he championed "man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity." Centuries later, the success of the Enlightenment project can hardly be overestimated. Yet, even within liberal democracies, commitment to Enlightenment principles is now wavering. On the political left, so-called progressives blame the Enlightenment for the hegemony of capitalist exploitation, oppression of minorities, and the rise of oligarchy. On the right, so-called post-liberals blame the Enlightenment for the collapse of religion, family, and community. Above all, moral relativism and absolutism challenge us to reevaluate the Enlightenment and its foundations.
In partnership with The University of Texas at Austin’s Civitas Institute, UATX is proud to offer a one-week symposium to top graduate students and advanced undergraduates (i.e., current juniors and seniors) in all fields.
Through intensive study of foundational texts, students will study the Enlightenment’s theoretical framework as it emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries. Readings will include those by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In addition to a daily seminar and optional discussion sections, students will enjoy the opportunity to explore Austin through various events and activities.
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course instructor
PROF. DEVIN STAUFFER
This year's seminar instructor, Professor Devin Stauffer (UT-Austin), specializes in classical and early modern political philosophy. Stauffer has written two books on Plato and one on Thomas Hobbes. Prior to joining The University of Texas in 2004, Professor Stauffer taught at Kenyon College and St. John's College in Annapolis. During his time at Kenyon College, he received two awards for teaching excellence, and he has since received two more teaching awards at The University of Texas. In 2013-14, he was a fellow of the Carl Friedrich von Siemens Foundation in Munich. In Spring 2018, he was a visiting associate professor at Harvard University.
Professor Stauffer's books are Plato's Introduction to the Question of Justice (SUNY, 2001), The Unity of Plato's Gorgias (Cambridge, 2006), and Hobbes's Kingdom of Light (Chicago, 2018). His articles have appeared in various journals, including the Review of Politics, the Journal of Politics, and the American Political Science Review.
details And Requirements
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled graduate students (master's or doctorate), recently graduated from an undergraduate degree program, or currently enrolled undergraduate juniors or seniors.
Location & Dates
Austin, TX: July 23-29, 2023
your questions answered
Are there age or education requirements for participation in this program?
Participants must be at least 21 years old by the start of the program in order to apply. The program is designed for rising college seniors, current seniors, recently graduated students, and current graduate students (master's or doctorate).
Are applicants required to be U.S. citizens?
No. Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens, but they must be proficient in the English language. At this time, UATX cannot provide assistance with visa applications.
What is required to apply?
Applicants must submit, in connection with their initial application, each of the following:\n 1) CV or résumé\n 2) Unofficial undergraduate transcript and, for graduate students, graduate school transcripts\n 3) Unofficial standardized test score record(s) -- e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, or LSAT (applicants without scores must explain why)\n 4) Statement of purpose (500 word limit)\n 5) Writing sample (no page limit)\n In addition, a liability waiver is required to matriculate into the program.
What does a typical day for program participants look like?
8:00 - 10:00 AM Reading time and breakfast\n 10:00 - 12:30 PM Seminar\n 12:30 - 1:30 PM Lunch\n 1:30 - 2:30 PM Optional Discussion Section / Break\n 2:30 - 6:30 PM Outings to Austin\n 6:30 - 8:30 PM Dinner\n 8:30 - 10:30 PM After Dinner Fellowship\n Participants will be required to prepare for each day’s lessons in advance (e.g., by completing pre-readings).
Can I receive academic credit, continuing education credits, credit hours, a diploma, or any other measure of completion for participating in this program?
No. Our program is not a credit-bearing or degree program. Students may not earn continuing education credits, credit hours, or a diploma for participation in this program.
Further questions?
Please email gradsymposium@uaustin.org.
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